On the afternoon of July 25, Republicans in the U.S. Senate opened debate on repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), with 50 senators voting in favor of what’s called a motion to proceed, or MTP, opening the door to the chamber offering numerous amendments to craft some sort of repeal bill.

In a statement, issued before the Senate took any action, the American College of Cardiology urged lawmakers to scrap both plans.

“In light of new analysis from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), it is clear that the health reform measures being contemplated in the Senate, whether the Better Care Reconciliation Act or the Obamacare Repeal Reconciliation Act, would result in the loss of insurance coverage for millions of Americans, limiting access to care for those who need it most,” said ACC President Mary Norine Walsh, MD.

“The American College of Cardiology opposes both of these approaches to health reform. Instead, we urge Senate leaders and members on both sides of the aisle to work in an open, bipartisan process to advance concepts that align with the ACC’s Principles for Health Reform. These principles prioritize patient access to meaningful insurance coverage and protection for individuals with pre-existing conditions, goals that would advance the outcome we all strive for: a healthcare system that strengthens and secures the highest quality care for all Americans.”

Updates throughout the day will be available at HealthExec.com.